Nozawa Onsen Utopia

Nozawa Onsen Utopia descritpion

Inn Nozawa Onsen Utopia sells fast on our site. Offering special “doburoku” sake, hot public baths and Japanese-style rooms, Nozawa Onsen Utopia is a 7-minute walk from Nozawa-Onsen Ski Resort. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby.
Rooms at Utopia are decorated in a traditional style, and guests sleep on a tatami (woven-straw) floor in Japanese futon bedding. Green tea with a thermos of hot water is provided, as is a TV and a low table with floor cushions. Bathrooms and toilets are shared.
The property is a 15-minute walk from Nozawa Onsen Station and a 10-minute walk from Nozawa Onsen Arena. On-site parking is free.
Skis can be stored on site, and lift passes are sold at the reception. Skiwear and snowboards are available for rental, and there is a drying room on site.
A set-menu Japanese breakfast is served at the dining room for an extra fee, and must be requested at check-in.

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Facilities of Nozawa Onsen Utopia

Outdoors ：BBQ Facilities

Ski ：Ski Storage | Ski Equipment Rental (on site) | Ski Passes Available

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Tennis Court | Skiing | Hiking | Cycling

Food & Drink ：Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services ：Vending Machine (drinks) | Baggage Storage | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Fax/Photocopying

Reviews for Nozawa Onsen Utopia

Review 1：Utopia is a beautiful ryokan in a wonderful location in the middle of town. Our host Kaori, was lovely, warm, friendly & always helpful. We also had a fantastic dinner one evening. The ryokan is super clean, warm & comfortable. We will definitely return!!

Review 2：Good location near many onsen. Lady who runs it was very helpful and showed us where to go on a map. Really good atmosphere, you wash yourself in an onsen which is fun.

Review 3：Nothing. Some people may find the Japanese futons or the idea of shared facilities off putting. We saw it as part of the experience.

Review 4：Loved staying in more traditional accommodation. Location in town is amazing and the staff are so incredibly hospitable and accommodating.

Review 5：Very friendly host family. They were very welcoming and very friendly. We really enjoyed our stay. At the end of the day, there was an Onsen that was less than 50m from the front door and another, more famous one, that was about 300m away. Just down the hill there was a great steamed bun street stall just out the front of St Anton's cafe. A really great spot.

Review 6：We stayed at 3 night at 5~7th Dec. very helpful couple even they speak a little bit english, nice and tasty and different Japanese breakfasts everyday ,nice room with thick enough tatami. Good location to the central district of Nozawa Onsen, 0.5 min walk to one of the public hot spring, reasonable price for transportation and day trip provide as well. Highly recommend!

Review 7：Absolutely amazing hosts. When there was no snow they drove us 70km to a nearby town where a slope was open, then the snow monkey park. Also rang around to find a pair of boots for me since the hire shop didn't have them in my size. They also let us try some of their home made sake and freshly caught fish tempura. Cannot speak highly enough of them. Thank you so much!

Review 8：There is nothing to dislike about Utopia.

Review 9：Tomi and Kaori (query spelling?) are the most hospitable and helpful people one could ever meet. We stayed for three nights with our children aged 9, 11 and 12. Just some examples of the hospitality shown to us are: First after discovering that we only needed one large room for the 5 of us, but having booked two rooms, at their own suggestion they happily cancelled the second room for us with no charge. Secondly, we had never tried Japanese futons before and I was a bit concerned about how we would all sleep. However, without any request from me, they provided two futons each so that we could put them on top of each other for additional comfort. this was great but, as it turned out, not at all necessary. Thirdly, Tomi drove the 5 of us up to the Gondola Station every day. Although it is not far to walk (about 5 mins), the lift was gratefully received, especially by our children. Fourthly, after we had checked out of Utopia I did a ligament in my ankle snow boarding and returned from the mountain to Utopia. Tomi insisted on taking me to the hospital, stayed with me the whole time I was there translating when required, and then drove me with my cast and crutches to the new accommodation I had booked for our last few nights (with western beds, due to my unnecessary concern about futons). Finally, on our last night in Nozawa Onsen Kaori tracked us down at a restaurant and presented the children with small gifts as because we were leaving. Utopia is a fabulous place to stay!

Review 10：Traditional japanese rooms with shared toilet/bath. Very clean, very comfortable. We had many futons available, so we could use more than one for more comfort. Very nice landlady.

Review 11：Everything! The staff were so welcoming and friendly, always stopping for a chat and accomodating our needs. As for the breakfast, it was delicious (make sure you go for the japanese breakfast). We also recommend the dinner (extra cost but well worth it). Looking forward to coming back next year.

Review 12：No shades in the room so the room became light before 6 AM, which is difficult with sleeping children.

Review 13：Great location between the two main lifts of the ski mountain. Close to the main walking street and several onsens. Free parking close to hotel. Clean and modern facilities with a great breakfast.

Review 14：Nothing, I would definitely stay here again and I highly recommend it.

Review 15：This was actually my second stay. The host was lovely, the location central and 5 mins walk from the gondola, the place is spotlessly clean with its own onsen. I didn't eat breakfast- so cannot comment on that.

Review 16：Utopia is near many bars & restaurants and is a short walk (under 10 min) to either of the ski lift bases. If I were to stay again, I'd look at storing my gear at the lockers on the mountain to save carrying it each day. The host and staff were all super friendly and helpful - they made it a lovely place to come back to after a full day skiing. The foot massage machine in the lounge (along with a beer from the vending machine) was the perfect end to a long day.

Review 17：That I didn't stay here my whole trip

Review 18：It's so much better than my first impression. Japanese style, but futons galore. The owners are so massively accommodating and helpful, really knowledgeable and it's so close to Nagasaka Gondola, it's like a 5 minute hike up the hill. Huge heating room for boards and skis, breakfast is perfect and simple, warm, nice little onsen. LOVED IT

Review 19：We were happy with futons but if you need a soft bed this might not be the type of place for you.

Review 20：Stayed 2 weeks with family of 4. Our host was so helpful and welcoming it felt like staying with a friend. Comfortable tatami room. Exceeded expectations in every way. Shared bathroom was not an issue at all.

Review 21：Like other reviewers I just can't say enough good things about hotel Nozawa Onsen Utopia. My wife and I arrived with friends of ours and we're all still talking about how wonderful the hotel was. The couple running it are exceptionally welcoming and friendly - the wife is always close-by and incredibly helpful and speaks reasonably good English and her husband is equally generous with his time and even makes his own brand of sake (he usually runs Utopia's on-mountain restaurant, more on that below). The traditional Japanese rooms are large, clean and welcoming with very comfortable bedding, tatami flooring, large windows and excellent heating. Location: Simply exceptional - a two minute walk to the centre of town, 5 - 7 minutes to the Nagasaka gondola base. There's even an excellent ramen and udon restaurant less than 30 steps from the front-door. And you won't need to look for food suggestions, because when you check-in the owners show you a map highlighting all the options around town with approximate walking times. The hotel even offers discounted lift passes, and a discount to their sister-restaurant which is on the mountain near the Hikage Gondola. Stay here. Honestly. You're going to have a great time.

Review 22：The walk to the lifts is a bit steep but acceptable. Restless sleepers may need an extra futon or two but there are plenty available in each room.

Review 23：The owner and staff are wonderful, the location is very convenient with a traditional Onsen a few metres from the front door. The hotel is clean and peaceful - a great place to stay.

Review 24：Shared bathing facilities took a bit of adjustment but you quickly adapt and get into the spirit !

Review 25：Proprietor went out of her way to be welcoming and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and she was genuine too.

Review 26：I liked everything. My 13 and 10 year old children were very sad to leave.

Review 27：Incredibly gracious hosts, completely family friendly, comfortable traditional room, perfect location (center of town by restaurants and onsens, 7 minute walk to ski lifts), amazing Japanese breakfasts, incredible value.

Review 28：We had a fantastic time at Nozawa Onsen, the staff were very nice and helped with anything you needed - directions, reservations etc. Breakfast was delicious and we would recommend the dinner as well! Good location close to ski lifts and Onsens to relax after skiing, or you can use the Onsen in the hotel!

Review 29：Ski room and drying room were in a separate building which was the only slight drawback.

Review 30：Staff were excellent and handled language translation issues extremely well. Cooking was amazing and the evening meal food choices excellent although breakfasts were a bit straightforward.

Review 31：The breakfast is the only thing I can fault, didn't have as much variety as expected.

Review 32：Really great host who was really helpful and so welcoming. The other guests were also very polite and helpful.

Review 33：The owner is very kind, went all the way to pick up us from the train station. Excellent price for food. Wish we were there longer. Will definitely go back soon.

Review 34：Internet could be stronger, but it works.

Review 35：The ladybrunningbthe place is very belpfull And energetic, super nice, they even drive me to The car rental agency innthe morning. the onsen Just outside the hotel is superb.

Review 36：Nothing. No complaints at all

Review 37：A family business where everyone was very helpful and friendly. Location was beautiful. Can't wait to return here again

Review 38：Extremely helpful and friendly owner who took a lot of time to explain things. Excellent value for money. Owner has links with ski sport - son is a multi medal winner. One of only 3 establishments in Nozawa allowed to serve the locally brewed rice wine. Just 800 yen for a really good western style or (on special request) Japanese style breakfast. 4 minute walk to gondola station and 30 second walk to nearest public onsen. Money off vouchers given for things like restaurants, ski pass and onsen.

Review 39：Nothing bad about this place

Review 40：Was the best Japanese experience ever! The location of the hotel is a perfect balance for skiing and for going to the town for dinner in the evening. Drying room and wax room where excellent. Free good Wi-Fi. The owner and the staff were so friendly and helpful that they became like friends of ours. Showing us how to make home-made sake or helping us understand origami. They even helped us carry our luggage around the town and booked restaurants and the monkey tour for us directly for no extra fees. Very recommended place!

Review 41：Hard to complain about this part, as the hotel isn't directly responsible; however, as we needed to rent skis and boots, we were referred to La Fit rental by the hotel staff, as Utopia has some sort of deal with them and can offer guests a 10% discount. They have a poster on their pinboard in the lobby. To sum it up: La Fit rental is neither a good deal nor a good place to rent skis. You can get much better skis and better deals closer to the Nagasaka Gondola, such as Tomy, where we went to afterwards. It was a thousand times better. First of all, La Fit rental has a ultra limited assortment of skis in a tiny basement underneath a café. The person there could only offer us two models, both very similar. The person working there was extremely incompetent and had little knowledge about skiing equipment. Secondly, once we got skis and boots, the rental person adjusted the skis on the concrete floor in front of us without any tools. This is super bad for the skis and not a safe way to fit the boot into the bindings. Once we got out of there with our new skis and boots, I noticed that my bindings were completely off and not correctly adjusted. For a rookie, this could been the beginning of a really bad time on the slope, potentially dangerous. After going back to get them readjusted, I spent half a day on the slopes with the skis and saw that one of the bindings were cracked. Totally unacceptable. I wanted to get money back, but had to pay for the first day we used them, even though we didn't get the service we were supposed to. And the price was enormous for that half day of skiing compared to other places in town. Basically, don't go to La Fit rental.

Review 42：Perfectly located right around the corner from the main street, next to one of the bathing houses (onsen soto-yu), and a 7 min walk to the Nagasaka Gondola. Such a great welcoming from the people working there. Took the time to explain everything, showing us the room and the facilities. When we needed pieces of information, they we were very helpful in guiding us to great places to eat and gave their honest opinions. Breakfast (western style) was huge and awesome, and they were flexible with the serving time, as we even came late one of the days. So kind of them. Our room (standard Japanese) was larger than anticipated, and we were happy about sleeping there. Sharing toilets and showers was not an issue at all. Very clean and never really busy nor crowded. Pick this place if you want to stay at a really friendly place with great people working there, who will help you as much as possible. The rooms and facilities are good and location is hard to beat.

Review 43：Bfast has placed on the table too long. not freshly made. The blanket is too hot. The room heater is not good Public bath rather simple and small The dry room is in next building

Review 44：good location good host room size is big

Review 45：Shared showers - I knew this when I booked, but if they had rooms with ensuites it would be even better! I'd still totally recommend this place and would stay again. The showers were very clean and totally empty when I used them.

Review 46：Everything! Lovely staff, quite large, warm rooms, very comfortable japanese style bed. The lady that runs the place even drove me to the bus stop when I was leaving, very welcoming. The place is right in the centre of town (2 minute walk to the main street with the bars and restaurants) and only a short walk (5-10 mins) to the lifts - both the moving walkway and Gondola.

Review 47：The host family were particularly friendly and made our stay amazing. They gave us a lift to the mountain every day and really took care of our daughter.

Review 48：Very happy with location, spacious room with an awesome service!!

Review 49：Great staff, great location, great atmosphere, great breakfast...

Review 50：Very nice place and the hotel staffs are friendly and helpful. They prepared special new year breakfast for us. Really impressive!

Review 51：nothing

Review 52：Very good Japanese breakfast, good location and nice workers. Good Japanese public bath

Review 53：The kindness, friendliness and helpfulness of the owners and the most yummy breakfasts!!!

Review 54：Onsen bathing water in hotel was too cold to use.

Review 55：Friendly staff, lovely traditional room, clean facilities

Review 56：they even shuttled us to the station

Review 57：Very comfortable futons, friendly owner and a great location within the village!

Review 58：The spacious Japanese style room and the proximity to one of the hottest onsens in town.

Review 59：great location - nothing flash, but clean and friendly -

Review 60：Initially lack of ensuite bathrooms but then grew to like it

Review 61：Excellent location, very helpful staff, good breakfast

Review 62：a little far from the lift station especially when you wear a pair of ski boots.

Review 63：excellent service delicious food near to main street

Review 64：No wifi in rooms

Review 65：The lady that run the place is very helpful. Only speaks a little English but tries hard.

Review 66：Traditional Accommodation - Friendly Staff - Easy access to mountain & shops

Review 67：Very helpful and kind. Excellent location

Review 68：A fantastic location with very friendly and helpful staff. Room sizes are on the larger size for Japan.

Review 69：Nothing to complain about

Review 70：Amazing japanese breakfast v good location for skiing and onsens v helpful staff

Review 71：Great location. Room was spacious and shared bathroom facilities were kept very clean.

Review 72：The staff were lovely and the location was great

Review 73：No private toilet

Review 74：Kindly owner,good location

Review 75：Large japanese style rooms, excelent location, staff are fantastic and as helpful as can get.

Review 76：Wifi not available in upper level rooms but freely available in foyer

Review 77：Wonderful staff Very good value for money Great breakfasts

Review 78：Showers not open in the morning and close at 11pm. Staff do not speak english

Review 79：Short walk to both gondolas, very friendly and helpful owner and staff

Review 80：The staff at the hotel were very friendly I like that they give you little baskets with soap to head to the onsen with

Review 81：We had an Amazing time here. It was one of the first nights in Japan and one of the best. The staff were so welcoming and sweet. I would love to go back and stay with them again!

Review 82：If you ABSOLUTELY NEED a bathroom in the room, this is not the place. It was my mistake for not realizing this on the booking as we have small children. However, we are glad we made that mistake and it worked out nicely! I can't believe how clean they keep it.

Review 83：The staff was impeccable, kind, generous, respectful, and all other amazing adjectives. We were made to feel like family and really made our stay feel very nice. The location was AWESOME! The cleanliness and facilities were better then some 5 star hotels I have stayed in. Nothing to do with hotel, but the ONSEN(s) in town are too hot for kids and ourselves @ 46% Celsius (114 deg F). So the hotel saved us with a cooler internal ONSEN in HOTEL! We couldn't recommend them enough and we hope to see them all again soon. Thank you for making our vacation amazing!

Review 84：Close to the mountain, centre of town, very friendly service, comfortable rooms with a fair price. Not to mention a very nice view from my room. I'd come back for sure!

Review 85：Limited breakfast options

Review 86：The host family were outstanding. No request was too much trouble and they went out of their way with suggestions. Their warmth and helpfulness made for a memorable stay.

Review 87：Limited access to the shared shower room. (No access in the morning - limited access in the evening).

Review 88：Nice tatami floor rooms. Very helpful owner. Personal service. Central location near onsen.

Review 89：The village and the ski fields of Nozawa Onsen were very crowded which I did not expect.

Review 90：Our host and hostess at Utopia were lovely and helpful people. The rooms were excellent, and shared bathroom facilities were spotless. I would recommend staying at Utopia.

Review 91：Spacious and clean. Very helpful and friendly staff. Public onsen 50m away. High street 2 mins walk down the road. Ski lifts 5-10 mins walk uphill. Good ski storage and drying room facilities.

Review 92：the owner has been extremely nice and helpful and entertained all of our requests. I injuried my finger and the hotel owner gave me a bandaid. When we left the hotel we also received a souvenir as a departure gift. Overall, everything was great from head to toes and we will definitely come back!

Review 93：We stayed for 2 weeks and did not want to leave. The staff were excellent. We had breakfast and half the dinners at Utopia and the food was excellent. The location was convenient - a few hundred metres from the ski fields and also close to the village centre. Although because we have young children the staff insisted on driving us to the ski field each morning.

Review 94：Japanese pillows take a bit of getting used to.

Review 95：Lovely host, who was very helpful and accommodating with all of our needs. The room was very bright and spacious for our large family. The location is very central to everything in the village. We enjoyed the Japanese breakfasts and the dinner we had at the ryokan.

Review 96：Very helpful and friendly staff. Even drove us to the bus stop when it was snowing heavily. Great location just up from the main street and short (400m) walk to the moving walkway. The free WiFi is patchy in the rooms but good in the lobby and dining area.

Review 97：Nothing negative.

Review 98：The owners of Utopia are the nicest people who were so kind & good to us, they did everything to make stay enjoyable. Great location, clean & comfortable.

Review 99：The hosts are a lovely couple who went out of their way to help us. Their basic English and sign language allowed us to communicate. The futons were comfy and the rooms clean and warm; as are the shared baths. Centrally located between main street and ski lifts.

Review 100：The shared bathroom isn't ideal but that is the system in Japan and the value for money price reflects this aspect of the accommodation.

Review 101：Lovely, very friendly staff and a real family atmosphere.

Review 102：Staff were extremely attentive and friendly. They went out of their way to make sure we were happy and had a pleasant stay. Our room was spacious and very comfortable. The nearest free onsen just over the road was amazing- we went every night and at 70 degrees C at source, it does the job! There is a cold tap to bring temperature down a little. Lovely family atmosphere, 5 minutes walk from slopes, 2 minutes walk from shops/ restaurants. Good breakfast and we had dinner 1 night which was great.

Review 103：Nothing

Review 104：The owners are so helpful and friendly. They even insisted in driving us the 10 minute walk to the ski walkway each morning. Very central to the town and across the road from an onset

Review 105：The owner of Utopia was fantastic - even though her English was very limited she went out of her way to help us out in every way and make us feel very welcome. The facilities and location were perfect. Had a great stay.

Review 106：Food places were scarce in that there werent many options for us when itcame to dinner time. As we got there at start of season and have tochoose food based on the pictures (dont speak or read japanese) thathung outside the restaurant, we struggled at night to get fed.

Review 107：The staff were lovely. The snow was perfect. The streets reminded me ofcholet (france) back streets. Beautiful. The hotel is traditionaljapanese so no shoes inside, not proper western bedding.

Review 108：Japanese baths maybe off putting for some!

Review 109：Authenic large rooms Tea and traditional cake on arrival Friendly staffBathrooms were clean and onsen wonderfully hot!

Review 110：The staff (family run) were so friendly and although had very littleEnglish went out of their way to help us with what ever we neededincluding providing us with a very filling breakfast of both Japaneseand western food.and organising ski gear. The location is close to thebus station and was easy to find and get to once the Tourist InformationOffice (across the road from the bus station) pointed it out to us. Easyaccess to the ski fields as its not too far from the gondola. Our roomwas warm and comfortable. The hotel has their own onsen but there is apublic onsen across the road if you choose to experience these. There iswifi available in the foyer. We were able to experience traditionalJapanese culture by staying here.

Review 111：Breakfast was really good. Staff was really lovely, nothing to complain. Recommend it.

The Fine Print

Guests arriving after check-in hours must inform the property in advance. Contact details can be found on the booking confirmation.To eat dinner at the property, a reservation must be made at time of booking. (Charges apply)